Does it look like Rafael Nadal was ever away from tennis? The Spanish legend has made a glorious comeback after a lengthy injury layoff. Nadal missed almost the entire 2023 season due to injuries but has found his winning mojo back. He is in Australia where the former World Number 1 is participating in the Brisbane International. Up next, he takes on Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals. Let’s dig deep into who has a better chance to prevail in this match.

Nadal has dominated his opponents ever since his comeback. He has looked sharp despite the Brisbane International being his first tournament in 12 months. His draw in the tournament wasn’t all that easy, but the Spaniard has come out on top.

Rafael Nadal vs. Jordan Thompson: Preview

The 22-time Grand Slam champion opened his campaign against Dominic Thiem. Consequently, Nadal brushed past Thiem in straight sets 7-5, 6-1. Carrying this boost, in the second round, Nadal was up against local hero, Jason Kubler. In what was a one-sided match, Nadal required less than an hour and a half to dispatch Kubler in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.

On the other hand, Thompson has had an even simpler path than Nadal. The local star defeated fellow Australian, Aleksander Vukic in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round. Further, he had a walkover against the fourth seed, Ugo Humbert of France. As a result, Thompson barely had to break a sweat in the lead-up to the quarterfinals.

Nadal vs. Thompson: Head-to-Head

The two have been involved in a couple of big matches against each other. Nadal and Thompson have faced each other twice, with the former winning on both occasions. Moreover, he put a dominant display against Thompson, winning both matches in straight sets.

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Their first meeting came in 2020 at the Paris Masters. In the round-of-16 match there, Nadal defeated Thompson by a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6 (3). They again met after a couple of years, this time at the French Open. Like the previous result, Nadal prevailed in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-2. Given their history, the Spaniard looks a firm favorite going into the Brisbane International quarterfinals.

Prediction: Nadal to prevail in straight sets

By the looks of it, Nadal is back to his best. In this form, it will be difficult for Thompson to stop him. Thus, Nadal is expected to win the match against Thompson in straight sets.

Their match will take place tomorrow in the evening session in the Pat Rafter Arena. Who are you supporting in this match? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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